Chapter 195: Zhou Yuanchen: Qin Ge, Are You There? Help Me Chop Once!

The heavy red doors of the conference hall opened and closed again, and Zhou Shu strode out in a huff.

He had not completely torn face with Chen Ruofu, merely leaving a few ruthless words.

The latter was known as the Tiger of the Inspection Department; in his early years his temper was explosively fiery beyond description, and he acted in an extremely overbearing manner.

If he gave an order and the guards directly carried him out, that would be a tremendous loss of face.

"Face is important! The General Manager's representatives are many; we cannot lose the Education Bureau's face!"

Zhou Shu gritted his teeth, consoled himself, and hurriedly left the Government Affairs Building.

Once he lowered his head and settled into the sedan, he immediately dialed the Education Bureau's number:

"Director, Chen Ruofu refused, and Fang Butang is in the same camp as him.

Their attitude is very firm; they are dead set on backing Qin Shi as Taian's Supernova to vie for the Heavenly Road quota."

Far away in Center City, Mo Qihuan seemed unsurprised; his fingers tapped the tabletop twice lightly, and he said:

"Taian has this enterprising spirit, wanting to make a name for itself and show its face — that's nothing.

Center City teems with talent; it fears fair competition the least."

Zhou Shu's face showed hesitation; over these years the Education Bureau had indeed uncovered many good seedlings through various competitions and exams.

But the most outstanding among them, Zhou Yuanchen, had entered the Professional Domain yet still failed to defeat Qin Shi.

"I've spoken with Little Zhou; a minor defeat means nothing. After a setback, just climb up again.

Little Zhou's resolve is firm, his potential enormous; he can still be pushed as the Education Bureau's Supernova."

Mo Qihuan proactively set the tone for the Education Bureau's loss in the Top Hundred Competition, and this let Zhou Shu breathe a sigh of relief.

As a Representative, he had instead let the contestant selected by the Taian Urban Circle steal Center City's limelight; he would certainly have to bear responsibility.

Now with Mo Qihuan as guarantor, Zhou Shu could return to Center City without facing punishment.

Thinking of this, he felt gratitude toward that Mo Si Zhang who had sat firmly in the top post for decades, and his voice trembled as he said:

"Many thanks for the Director's consideration!"

Mo Qihuan laughed:

"Little Zhou, one botched matter doesn't matter; on the road of progress there are many opportunities — grasp them well, prepare actively."

Even across the vast distance, Zhou Shu still straightened his body and said solemnly:

"Understood; I absolutely will not let you down a second time, Director!"

The call was ended.

Mo Qihuan's fingers paused; the light tapping sound on the tabletop stopped.

He lowered his head in thought, dialed the red desk phone, and summoned the Secretary.

"Xiao Liu, later have the Classified Department draft a confidential letter and send it to Yincheng. Also, draft a personnel appointment document for me — transfer Zhou Shu to do infrastructure construction.

The Great Expansion is imminent; the front lines need talent. Let him go as a vanguard and carry forward our Education Department cadres' noble style of not fearing hardship."

Infrastructure construction?

The Secretary's heart chilled; he instantly understood — as the Director dispatched to the Taian Urban Circle, Director Zhou was essentially benched, with no future prospects left.

Within the system, the heights of various posts are not absolute; one must consider the amount of real power they contain.

But one point is universally acknowledged: only City Districts count as the "core," where power is highly concentrated.

Being posted outside long-term, or stationed in the Border Region, counts as being "exiled."

Director Zhou transferred to infrastructure construction — without doubt he will henceforth be far from Center City, never again having a chance for advancement.

As expected, the Director has always been ruthless toward incompetent subordinates.

The Secretary thought with head bowed.

"Allocate some resources to welcome the Fourth War Corps; have the spaceport undergo comprehensive preparation — there must not be any oversight."

Mo Qihuan spoke at a comparatively slow pace, letting the Secretary note it down with a pen:

"By the way, call the Governor's Mansion — the Top Hundred Competition Champion, Qin Shi Qin Classmate, has already returned to Taian; I think his commendation and reward should be put on the schedule."

The pen tip rubbed the paper with a rustling sound; the Secretary recorded every word without omission.

With his memory, he could completely remember after hearing once.

But this is Mo Si Zhang's office style — whether daily life instructions or important project meeting remarks, all must leave paper documents.

"Anything else to instruct?"

The Secretary put away his carried notebook and slipped the fountain pen back into his jacket pocket.

He had followed Mo Si Zhang for about seven years; he was this Education Director's fifth Classified Secretary.

Mo Si Zhang was considered fairly approachable, amiable in attitude, and very fond of promoting subordinates.

The previous several Secretaries, after leaving the Education Bureau, all gained excellent development, assuming leadership posts in important departments.

"Cancel this afternoon's meeting; I've been a bit tired these days, planning to go home and rest."

Mo Qihuan gazed out the window at the overcast sky and said blandly:

"The weather's turned cold; my old ailment tends to flare up, legs and feet get stiff. You coordinate with the Meteorological Bureau — have them perform cloud regulation, control the temperature around twenty degrees, give Center City citizens ample sunlight."

The Secretary nodded and added casually:

"The Director truly cares for the people."

Mo Qihuan neither confirmed nor denied; the Secretary tactfully withdrew from the office.

He rose and slowly walked to the 180-degree panoramic window, his gaze sweeping over the vigorous face reflected there.

"However much you gain, you must pay that much. The Ying Clan doesn't run a charity; Ying Lin's brain doesn't work well, but those elders behind him are each and every one shrewd and cunning — trying to default would undoubtedly be cutting off their own path to survival.

Had I known it would turn out like this, back then not seeking advancement and just being a Clerk might not have been bad."

Retire after achieving success — these four words, placed within the system, are truly as hard as ascending to heaven.

Having sat securely in the Education Director's seat for decades, Mo Qihuan only now understood how difficult a thing "making it ashore" truly is.

"The Ying Clan wants to use me to bind Zhen Ting, but they're wrong."

Mo Qihuan's eyes flashed with determination; since he had no choice but to sit at the gambling table, he would go all in.

If he were hesitant like Ying Lin, he was destined to achieve nothing great.

……

……

Qin Shi, staying on Old Factory Street, was unaware that a small stir had arisen over his election as Taian Region's Supernova.

In front of the new site of Nanhuang Dojo lay an open space with several breakfast stalls set up.

Qin Shi brought several senior brothers and sisters the famous beef shumai and fried cakes from Old Factory Street, then strode through the door.

Construction of the new site proceeded quickly; originally expected to take another half month or so at night, it was completed ahead of schedule.

Compared to its previous "simplicity," it could now be said to have a completely new look.

The black-lacquered copper-nailed door panels hung with brass beast-head door rings, and above hung a black background gold lacquer plaque inscribed simply with the two characters "Nanhuang."

To the right of the main gate was a rain shelter, inside which rows of bicycles were parked; looking inside, one saw a seamless water-grind shadow wall.

Qin Shi went around the shadow wall and saw Ninth Senior Brother Ren You teaching someone to practice, and said:

"Senior Brother Ren, take a break; I specially bought you breakfast."

Old Ren, whom he hadn't seen for a long time, still looked as ordinary as ever.

The "trainee" beside him gritted his teeth, drenched in sweat, panting as he said:

"Old Qin, is there any for me?"

This person was Zhou Ning.

Thanks to Qin Shi's introduction, he became the first trainee at Nanhuang Dojo's new site after its completion.

The dojo was not like the "sects" of the Old Era; it accepted disciples strictly and had stern rules.

Quite the opposite, the stronger the dojo, the more it recruited externally and enrolled many trainees.

Its positioning was similar to a "martial arts school."

There were few constraints or requirements for trainees; pay however much, learn however much.

Of course, Nanhuang Dojo's reputation was great, as it was the last mainstay of Hengzhou's old martial arts schools.

If it truly recruited, the thresholds would all be trampled flat.

So for now it was in "trial operation," starting temporarily from Dangyang East Suburbs, not planning to expand the scope too much.

Relying on internal connections, Zhou Ning entered Nanhuang Dojo early, accepted Ren You's guidance, and trained to the point of constant complaint.

"Eat what? These low-quality carbohydrates—how can they compare to nutrient paste and the fitness meals I make myself?"

Qin Shi watched like a spectator, appreciating Zhou Ning's expression after he had just finished standing his post, then from the bag he carried, took out several boxes of Liangxiang Ji's nutrient paste and tossed them over.

"You're so rich now! Why not buy better-tasting Fengchun, or Dachang!"

Zhou Ning muttered, feeling Old Qin was deliberately torturing him.

"No matter how rich, you have to spend sparingly; no choice, I'm used to being poor, not daring to spend an extra cent."

Qin Shi smiled, facing Ren You and asked:

"Senior Brother Ren, how is Little Zhou's training?"

Ren You took the breakfast, entered the main hall and sat down, speaking frankly:

"His talent is very ordinary, and his learning speed is not fast. Fortunately he has perseverance, and... he takes medicines, with excellent absorption."

Qin Shi nodded; Zhou Ning had originally been at the middle level of Hongzhi Class, comparable to his past self.

Expecting rapid progress was bound to be impractical.

Little Zhou was indeed an innate drug-resistant Saint Body; previously the Nine Dragons Potion injected at Silver Horse Gym hadn't caused any trouble.

Qin Shi briefly learned about it, then came to the backyard paved with blue bricks, and began his daily morning practice course.

As Nanhuang Dojo's Designated Successor, his authority was second only to Old Zhang.

He could order Xuan Ming and mobilize a large amount of training resources.

"Xuan Ming, create a Professional Level Ninth Stage opponent specializing in Horizontal Training."

Qin Shi first changed the scene to the Wilderness; he had heard Hengzhou was about to begin a new round of development, using Taian Urban Circle as the rear, Yincheng and Zhou City as outposts, advancing toward dangerous areas with many pollution zones.

Then he input data to simulate sparring; more accurately, it should be called a human sandbag.

"My Qi Life Force has reached ninety-nine points; the subsequent Hundred Point Threshold is by no means something that can be broken through by simply piling up Qi Life Force."

Qin Shi's left leg suddenly kicked out; a visible air wave was torn apart, rushing toward the simulated human sandbag.

While fighting, he also pondered how to enter the Professional Realm.

Zhou Yuanchen relied on half a Blood Flower and the harsh environment of the Great Rift Valley to break through the shackles in one go.

"My savings are no less than Old Zhou's, who carries over ten billion in debt. What I need to consider next is provisions containing high-grade energy, and a suitable opportunity."

Qin Shi pondered; the batch of Star Skeletons and Void Marrow Crystals he ordered from Entropy Sea Bank had already been shipped, but to get them into his hands, he estimated he'd have to wait until Hengzhou was fully unsealed.

"Mineral Essence is low-grade energy; it can replenish my consumption but cannot provide effective stimulation. I'll ask Old Chen when I have time, see if I can scrounge something."

……

……

Zhou Yuanchen stepped into Old Factory Street, following the map's guidance, and found Nanhuang Dojo's new site.

A month had passed since the Top Hundred Tournament; his frozen account had returned to normal after the battle ended.

Unfortunately, because he failed to complete the task assigned by the Ying Clan, he did not receive the seventeen billion "signing fee."

"Little Zhou, don't be too discouraged."

The accompanying Zhou Shu observed Zhou Yuanchen's expression, thinking this Education Bureau Supernova was still immersed in the blow of failure.

"Qin Shi is Nanhuang Dojo's successor, has a Grandmaster Level teacher, and you also said that day your condition was poor, and you lost due to carelessness."

Zhou Yuanchen turned a deaf ear, not bothering with the nagging Zhou Shu at all; his mind was filled with one doubt.

Could Qin Shi also be a user of Entropy Sea Bank?

Otherwise, such a coincidence—that during combat his account was frozen and his strength was lowered.

And unsealed immediately after elimination!

"His combat power back then was at least over twenty billion! He's even more ruthless than me, daring to take out a twenty-billion small loan just to fight for the Top Hundred Tournament championship!"

Zhou Yuanchen's thoughts turned, and he couldn't help but feel admiration.

He knew all too well how terrifying and suffocating the pressure of carrying debt could be.

Qin Shi's background was worse than his own, yet he could endure a loan of over twenty billion.

I lost without complaint!

Zhou Yuanchen sighed; nearly twenty years of rich experience taking out small loans made him clearly realize that people who dare to borrow money are not scary.

Quite the opposite—anyone driven to desperation will have the reckless thought of "might as well gamble everything, worst case I lose my life."

This kind is the bottom-layer "Gambler," and Zhou Yuanchen has always looked down on them.

True Strongmen who possess both ability and will often know where their repayment limit lies.

"Borrowing isn't skill; being able to repay is what brings a future!"

What Zhou Yuanchen marveled at was not that Qin Shi took out a small loan of over twenty billion, but that the other was so certain he could repay it.

This precise grasp of debt-bearing capacity made him greatly admire Qin Shi, and he even wanted to discuss and exchange ideas with him, to progress together!

"Representative Zhou, you shouldn't go in."

Zhou Yuanchen's tone was flat; he was not only a Supernova of the Education Bureau but also held the position of Senior Cadre.

An office director like Zhou Shu, with little authority, could not lead him.

"I'm worried about your safety, Little Zhou. Qin Shi is a Nanhuang Daoist Hall Disciple; if you suddenly visit and something happens..."

Zhou Shu's expression changed slightly; he had hoped to bind himself to Zhou Yuanchen and continue striving for political achievements.

"Nanhuang Dojo is a big business; they wouldn't do that kind of thing."

Zhou Yuanchen's attitude was firm; after saying this, he walked up the steps and knocked on the door.

"Lao Zhou, why are you here?"

In the backyard, Qin Shi was drenched in sweat, wiping himself with a towel.

Scorching Breath seemed like white smoke, radiating outward with his breathing and raising the surrounding temperature.

"You're also a user of Entropy Sea Bank, right?"

Zhou Yuanchen asked directly.

"No."

Qin Shi shook his head.

Did I guess wrong?

Or is he unwilling to admit it?

Zhou Yuanchen was stunned.

"I am a customer."

Qin Shi said again.

User, customer.

Two words, seemingly differing by only one character, yet separated by a huge chasm.

Qin Shi had never intended to hide this from Zhou Yuanchen; opening an Entropy Sea Bank account was hardly a heavy secret.

After speaking, he no longer concealed his breath, revealing a brilliant Symbolic Emblem.

"Hiss!"

Zhou Yuanchen felt sudden eye pain; he suppressed the urge to tears and looked at the Entropy Sea Bank Logo appearing in golden color.

He was actually a Gold Level Customer!

"Brother Qin."

Zhou Yuanchen subconsciously changed his form of address; according to the education he had received since childhood, on campus, the evaluation system of food chain hierarchy was based on scores.

After graduation, it depended on "Assets."

For so many years Zhou Yuanchen had worked arduously and continuously, striving to enter Qiguang Heng University, enter Central City, and become a Supernova of the Education Bureau.

He dared not slacken for a moment; the seventeen billion good credit limit he had earned barely qualified as Bronze Client.

Facing Qin Shi, facing the identity of an Entropy Sea Bank Gold Level Customer, he felt as if he were under deadly pressure, finding it hard to breathe.

Just like when he used to study, seeing those Academic Underachievers look at him!

There was only one thought in his mind!

Just how much money did he borrow?

It probably couldn't be measured by "Monetary Unit"!

"Lao Zhou, did you come to see me just to ask this?"

Qin Shi put away the mark of an Entropy Sea Bank honored customer and asked.

"I want to learn from you and exchange experiences on how to become a Strongman!"

Zhou Yuanchen rubbed his eyes; his gaze toward Qin Shi was completely different, now carrying a trace of complete admiration and respect.

"But before that, Brother Qin, could you help me with something."

"Hmm?"

"That is, Entropy Sea Bank's Gold Level Customers can help someone Cut Price once a day, letting other people's Shopping Lists get a Discount."

Zhou Yuanchen's expression was serious, and he bowed respectfully:

"Brother Qin, Request, I really need your help!"

(Chapter End)